Category: Peak District

Trad climbing course in The Peak District.

I took Rik and Dom to The Peak for two days of climbing at Stanage. Their aim was to learn how to place natural protection and set up belays. They seconded Black Hawk Hell Crack and Black Hawk Traverse by way of an introduction. Then we got stuck into the leading coaching with me on a fixed line alongside them to advise on gear placements. Over the two days they led the lay-back corner of Castle Crack, Leaning Buttress Crack, Hollybush Crack, the wonderful Christmas Crack, Right Twin Crack and three shorter un-named lines, giving them a total of 4 leads each, ranging from Very Difficult to Very Severe.

Here’s what Rik had to say after the course:

“Thanks again for the help and advice this weekend. It was very worthwhile.”

Stanage
Stanage
Black Hawk Hell Crack
Black Hawk Hell Crack
Hollybush Crack
Hollybush Crack
Topping Out
Topping Out

Climbing at Frogatt and Bouldering at Curbar.

Andy, Chris, Rachel, Gayle and Ben all piled into Martin’s place in Sheffield for the weekend. Andy cruised Chequers Buttress and we were brutalised by Chequers Crack on Saturday. Sunday was a superb day of bouldering at Curbar.

Paul seconding Chequers Buttress
Paul seconding Chequers Buttress
Paul near the top of Chequers Buttress.
Paul near the top of Chequers Buttress.
Rachel on Guerrilla Warfare.
Rachel on Guerrilla Warfare.
Andy on Guerrilla Warfare.
Andy on Guerrilla Warfare.
Andy on the Trackside boulder.
Andy on the Trackside boulder.
Chris on the crux of Trackside.
Chris on the crux of Trackside.

Trad climbing at Stanage.

Nigel, Garvin and I drove to Sheffield and slept with the many bicycles in Martin’s front room. We spent two days at Stanage and climbed some brilliant routes, including Paradise Wall, Right Unconquerable and Mississippi Buttress. I followed Garvin up Paradise Wall barefoot and, later in the day, found myself at the bottom of Mississippi Buttress without my shoes. Rather than go all the way back along the crag for them, I opted to lead the route barefoot and thoroughly enjoyed every moment!

Paul on Right Unconquerable.
Paul on Right Unconquerable.